January 2019 birding festivals

Are you looking to start the New Year off with a birding festival? Below are descriptions of nine festivals taking place in January 2019 that will give birdwatchers the opportunity to see Snail Kites, Sandhill Cranes, Snow Geese, and more.

January 12-13
Festival of the Cranes
Celebrate the majesty of Sandhill and Whooping Cranes in Decatur, Alabama, with the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association. The event will include educational displays, presenters, hands-on activities for children, and more. Festival website

January 17-20
Wings over Wilcox Birding and Nature Festival
This festival is the perfect opportunity to see winter migrants that visit the Wilcox, Arizona, area and to see the other wildlife and natural wonders of the region. Festival website

January 17-21
Everglades Birding Festival
Journey through the Everglades of Davie, Florida, searching for beautiful and rare birds such as Snail Kite, Limpkin, and Roseate Spoonbill. Festival website

January 18-21
Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival
Every Martin Luther King weekend over 500 California birdwatchers visit Morro Bay, California, a Globally Important Bird Area, to see, photograph, and learn more about birds. Festival website

January 18
Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival
As many as 12,000 cranes have been known to winter at the confluence of the Tennessee and Hiwassee Rivers near Birchwood, Tennessee, and you’re invited to come, watch, and take photographs of these wonderful birds. Festival website

January 18-20
Wings of Winter Kentucky & Barkley Lake Birding Festival
This event offers three days of birding on lakes, tributaries, and river bottoms in Paris, Tennessee. Festival website

January 23-27
Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway
This action-packed five-day event celebrates the remarkable journey of the millions of waterfowl and raptors along the Pacific Flyway that call the Chico, California, area home during the winter months. Festival website

January 23-28
Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival
Situated at the convergence of two zones — temperate and tropical — Florida’s Space Coast is one of the best birding locations in the U.S. Experience all it has to offer at the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival. Festival website

January 25-27
Winter Wildlife Festival
Witness winter wildlife all around Virginia Beach; whether it’s following fascinating bird activity, exploring the natural areas of our community or the musings of harbor seals. Festival website

Visit our events calendar to see when other festivals are taking place.